Carries NASA's SeaWiFS instrument as the sensor payload, also designated
"Oceans Color Data Set." The objective for global ocean coverage is desired to
estimate ocean color, and to derive from these measurements, various biological
indicators and other useful scientific products.

The SeaWiFS Team has developed, and will operate, a data system that will
process, calibrate, validate, archive, and distribute SeaWiFS data for
research. All other aspects of the mission -- satellite construction, launch,
command and control and tracking -- are the responsibility of OSC. NASA has
contracted with OSC to provide, for five years, the raw satellite data which
will be used for research purposes. This contract is worth $43.5 million. OSC
will own the data rights for operational and commercial purposes.